Word Origin & History

anticipate 1530s, "to cause to happen sooner," from L. anticipatus, pp. of anticipare "take (care of) ahead of time," lit. "taking into possession beforehand," from ante "before" (see ante) + capere "to take" (see capable). Later "to be aware of (something) coming at a future time" (1640s). Used in the sense of "expect, look forward to" since 1749, but anticipate has an element of "prepare for, forestall" that should prevent its being used as a synonym for expect. Related: Anticipatory (1660s).

Example Sentences for anticipated

Had the encounter been anticipated his composure would perhaps have failed him.

Among his friends his speech was anticipated with lively interest.

As might be anticipated, the poem is in the heroic measure of Pope.

He felt that his visit had not been at all the brilliant success he had anticipated.

He was, however, anticipated by the voice of the ingenuous and youthful Alice.

But the friend in need whom he required was nearer than he anticipated.

The episode seemed to be turning out better than he had anticipated.

I should have preferred the request, if your kindness had not anticipated me.'

But do you mean to say, asked Altamont, that you might have anticipated the sudden change?